The TBA was founded in 1919 and is the peak industry body for thoroughbred breeders in Australia. It is a registered company comprising of two representatives from each state and from Aushorse Ltd.

The board meets at regular intervals throughout the year and by phone hook-ups. It is a united body open to all breeders through state membership.

Recognition 
The TBA is a member, along with the USA, England, Ireland, France, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, Japan and other European and American countries, of the International Breeders Meeting which is based at Newmarket, UK. The TBA is recognized as the authorized breeding body by the Asian Racing Conference, the international breeding and racing authorities and by stud book authorities.

In Australia, the TBA is recognized by the Australian Government, the Australian Racing Board, the Australian Horse Industry Council, the Australian Stud Book, Austrade, state governments and by all state principal clubs. Each state association has similar recognition in their state and has similar charters to the TBA.

Functions 

• The TBA directly and through the state associations seeks to assist and encourage all breeders regardless of their size and aspirations.

• The TBA liases, supports and works on issues with the Australian Stud Book. 

• The TBA represents Australia at all international breeders meetings and presents regular papers on issues. 

• The TBA is responsible for the collating and presenting of equine diseases and problems in Australia to the International Collating Centre in England and this information with similar reports from other countries is disseminated. 

• The TBA regularly presents papers and views at the Asian Racing Conference and local and overseas conferences. 

• The TBA makes annual awards to champion thoroughbreds.

• The TBA is a founding member of the Australian Industry Horse Council. 
  
  The TBA has two representatives on the Group and Listed Races Advisory Board. 

• The TBA maintains the largest and most used breeding internet site in Australia www.tbaus.com is visited by breeders, trainers and owners world wide. 

• The TBA liases with state veterinary officers on all equine matters. 

• The TBA publishes books such as buying your first racehorse and Breeding your first racehorse to benefit breeders and purchasers. 

• The TBA produces and distributes generic promotional material both in Australia and overseas. It strictly abides by Austrade regulations to market the Australian product and not individual sales, studs or breeders. 

• TBA directors and representatives regularly promote Australia abroad.

The State Associations and Aushorse have pledged support for a united and active national TBA. Each association is legally and democratically structured for the betterment of this great industry and welcomes new members and new ideas at all times.